Happy first birthday to Gransnet!

Gransnet the social networking site for Britain’s 14 million grandparents is one today.

Launched in May 2011, the site was described by the Telegraph as “a new dawn in grey power.”

Gransnet’s forums cover everything from politics to sex, childhood games to difficult daughters-in-law. “We have recipes, product reviews and tips on everything from good grannying to great reads… and we feature regular webchats with politicians and experts, authors and slebs.”

Online forums for older people have hitherto been notoriously difficult to establish and maintain. However, spearheaded by Geraldine Bedell, I get the impression that Gransnet is steadily and surely embedding itself as one of the go-to sites for older women.

My interaction with Gransnet has largely been via Twitter where the Gransnet team manage to be consistently entertaining, informative and often very funny. My Gransnet highlights of last year included #grannygate and #bakingweek (when the Gransnet team baked and ate all week with great enthusiasm). And who can forget the lube reviews…!

So, happy birthday Gransnet and all the best for the coming year!